Pick the Braves’ leadoff hitter (and why not Escobar?)
Nate McLouth: The likely pick.
Yunel Escobar: The intriguing option.
Johnny Damon is a Detroit Tiger, which means his wife Michelle will have to settle for tanning on the banks of Lake Michigan and the Braves don’t have a lot of great options for a leadoff hitter.
Now, we all know how this probably will go. Nate McLouth, who was acquired last season from Pittsburgh and proceeded to have one of the worst seasons of his career, almost certainly will be handed the job. Platoon outfielder Matt Diaz probably also will take a turn there. And who knows: If and when Jordan Schafer is ready to play every day in the majors, he could be the leadoff hitter the Braves haven’t had since Rafael Furcal left (and then didn’t come back).
Loading ...But until that happens, the Braves need to generate some offense, some excitement and have some sense of a threat at the top of the lineup. If you’ll permit me to think outside the box here for a moment, here’s an idea: Why not Yunel Escobar?
I know the biggest argument against it. Escobar has power and he can drive in runs so you want him in the middle of the lineup. But to me, that argument minimizes the importance of his ability to get on base, and also how important the leadoff position is. You may recall Escobar hit at the top of the order frequently in 2007 and 2008. His numbers were impressive.
Below, I’ve listed some statistics for four Braves — Diaz, Escobar, McLouth and Martin Prado — and how they fared as leadoff hitters in 2007, 2008 and 2009. I figure those are the four best options for the job this year. If you were to rank those four by on-base percentage from last season, it would go: Diaz (.390), Escobar (.377), Prado (.358) and McLouth (.354). If you were to rank them by batting average, it would be Diaz (.313), Prado (.307), Escobar (.299) and McLouth (.257).
What are you thoughts on this subject? Who should hit leadoff for the Braves?
Meanwhile, here are statistics for Diaz, Escobar, McLouth and Prado in the last three seasons when they hit at the top of the Braves’ order.
♦
2007 Avg AB R H HR RBI SB BB SO OBP SLG
Escobar .351 151 30 53 2 16 3 10 22 .400 .490
Diaz .250 12 0 3 0 3 0 0 2 .214 .333
Prado .083 12 1 1 0 0 0 1 2 .154 .083
♦
2008 Avg AB R H HR RBI SB BB SO OBP SLG
Escobar .285 158 21 45 4 18 0 18 21 .358 .392
Prado .267 30 5 8 0 3 0 3 4 .333 .433
♦
2009 Avg AB R H HR RBI SB BB SO OBP SLG
Diaz .439 41 7 18 1 5 1 5 11 .531 .585
McLouth .257 331 58 85 10 35 11 44 70 .351 .414
Escobar .091 11 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 .167 .091
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179 comments Add your comment
DW
February 22nd, 2010
8:10 am
First!!
Bored of the Go-Dawg Nation
February 22nd, 2010
8:13 am
I like the thought of Diaz leading off, with prado in the 2 hole, then chipper, the mc-twins, and escobar at 6. Glaus has to prove something before I’d have him any higher.
phil
February 22nd, 2010
8:14 am
I like the Escobar idea. McLouth is a succer for the high fastball, doesn’t make enough contact and strikes out too much. I like him lower in the order. Prodo is adequate, not the solution.
This is a flawed team, so it makes sense that questions like this are raised.
DW
February 22nd, 2010
8:18 am
I like the way Bored of the Go-Dawg Nation thinks.
Bored of the Go-Dawg Nation
February 22nd, 2010
8:23 am
Let’s hope it doesn’t take til July for the brass to figure it out like last year when we were giving away outs running Kelly, French, and (though I think he will be ready soon) Jordan Schaefer out there day in and day out. I hope Infante finds his way into the lineup frequently too.
jsatt32
February 22nd, 2010
8:24 am
I like Diaz doing it ONLY against lefties. Lord knows his terrible success against righties. Maybe that is something he has worked on this offseason though and he can play everyday. OR, maybe Schafer will surprise us all at spring training. If that be the case, I like Jordan in the lead off spot, stealing bases. None are great options, but its something us hopeless Braves fans are just going to have to deal with until someone buys the team from the hated Liberty Media!
Chief Nock A Homa
February 22nd, 2010
8:27 am
I like the idea of trading Melky and a prospect or two for a real leadoff hitter… It’s what we’re missing….
Good grief – can we spend a few extra bucks and get Damon??? Especially when he’s made it so clear he would prefer to be in ATL….
Chief Nock A Homa
February 22nd, 2010
8:28 am
Sorry – let me clarify before all jump on me…
Could we HAVE spent a few extra bucks and brought Damon in before he signed with the Tigers is what I should have written….
Balderdash
February 22nd, 2010
8:37 am
Milky Carerra? Just kidding. Escobar would be the best.
Jeff Schultz
February 22nd, 2010
8:41 am
DW — Don Waddell? Is that you?
Walker, Texas Ranger
February 22nd, 2010
8:42 am
There is not a leadoff hitter on the team. The three you list had a total of 12 stolen bases last year. Jeff, we haven’t had a true lead-off hitter since Otis. Furcal had the skills of a lead off hitter but the mind of a cleanup guy. He wasn’t patient, swung at bad pitches and didn’t like to bunt for a sacrifice. Plus with his speed, his steal percentage wasn’t that great. Bobby could have had a lot to do with that. This team has the speed of a beer softball league team.
Jeff Schultz
February 22nd, 2010
8:42 am
Chief Nock A Home — That would be a good idea, except then it goes back to the original question: Why trade for Melky Cabrera to begin with?
Jeff Schultz
February 22nd, 2010
8:43 am
Chief Nock A Home — Tigers offered $8 million, nothing deferred, if reports are believed. Braves offered about $4.5 mill, some of it deferred. That’s a pretty significant difference.
Walker, Texas Ranger
February 22nd, 2010
8:45 am
Can’t trade Melky until you know Heyward is on the team otherwise you don’t have anyone with the arm to play right.
Jeff Schultz
February 22nd, 2010
8:45 am
Walker, Texas Ranger — You’re point about lack of speed is a good one, although that has been the case for a while, as you know. Also, Cox has seldom been Whitey Herzog when it comes to “small ball.” (single, steal, FC, sac fly — 1-0).
JEZ
February 22nd, 2010
8:51 am
If those 4 are my only choices, I’d put Diaz or Prado up there. Escobar will hit anywhere you put him in the lineup..no doubt about that…but the guy just drives in too many runs to keep him at the top. Diaz I like at the helm because he’s not afraid to be aggressive at the top, though Cox does not appear confident enough to give his players the green light on their own for steals.
Jackets2010
February 22nd, 2010
8:52 am
I am just wondering if Boras uses the Braves again and again to drive up the price of his clients.
If we can’t win the biding war, why let him use us?
TheAntiMe
February 22nd, 2010
8:54 am
Martin Prado did not get a shot at leadoff last year and he has substantially improved each year he has played in Atlanta. I think it would be better to give him a shot at the top of the order. If that doesn’t work out, then maybe give Escobar a go at leading-off.
Just my opinion, I much prefer to see Esco bat somewhere in the middle of the order as he was very clutch at driving in runs last season seemingly when the Braves needed them the most.
Dr. Phil
February 22nd, 2010
9:00 am
Escobar is the fastest runner, but his head is frequently elsewhere–like at the beauty salon.
Walker, Texas Ranger
February 22nd, 2010
9:01 am
Play Infante at 2nd and leadoff. Faster, better glove. Prado is a butcher at 2nd.
TheAntiMe
February 22nd, 2010
9:05 am
Thanks, Dr. Phil. You speak the truth and more importantly, you made me laugh.
Paul
February 22nd, 2010
9:06 am
1-Diaz
2-Escobar
3-Mclouth
4-Jones
5-McCann
6-Glaus
7-Heyward
8-Prado
mythbuster
February 22nd, 2010
9:09 am
Enough with the ” Lord knows [Diaz'] terrible success against righties” myth, ’cause it just ain’t true. Last year Diaz had 235 abs against righties (more than against lefties) and hit .255 with a .349 obp. He killed lefties, but his numbers against righties were respectable. Oh, and that .349 obp vs righties is higher than Prado’s .340 obp against righties. Diaz has earned some more pt and would be good in the leadoff role.
ChippersLoveChild
February 22nd, 2010
9:09 am
Having Escobar leadoff reminds of the Brewers with Ricke Weeks. They aren’t your typical leadoff guys, but provide good pop at the top of the order and should do the job because nobody else on the team can. I think it would work.
ChippersLoveChild
February 22nd, 2010
9:10 am
Also…. how about a blog on Team USA hockey… Come on Jeff… Pleaseeeeeeeee!
Chief Nock A Homa
February 22nd, 2010
9:13 am
Jeff:
Per the 8:42 reply about then why trade for Melky to begin with….
That’s what I am wondering!
No, actually, it really wasn’t a trade for Melky was it??? Weren’t we really trading for the young phenom pitcher?? And, Melky was kind of the throw in???
The 8:43 post…
Yes – quite a significant difference, but don’t you believe that if the Braves had come up to the middle of the road somewhere that it would have been enough to get Damon here??? Maybe around 6.5 to 7 mil??? And, trade Melky for another prospect at that point for financial relief as well as another arm or bat in the stockpile…..
Mike S
February 22nd, 2010
9:15 am
1. McClouth – OBP and speed says he goes at the top
2. Escobar – he is a natural #2 hitter and has excelled in this spot
3. Chipper – he has #3 spot until he is carried from the field.
4. Glaus – Hopefully he returns to his hard hitting self
5. McCann – He likes the5 hole, but moves to 4 if Glaus struggles or gets hurt
6. Heyward – He wins the job out of camp
7. Melky/Diaz
8. Prado
Mike S
February 22nd, 2010
9:17 am
Nock A homa – Melky was the consolation prize in that trade for sure. The main reason for the trade at all was to shed salary, but the player we wanted was definately the young stud pitcher (Cabrera? – name escapes me ATM) – melky was just the throw in to have a “NAME” in the trade.
BravesAreDone
February 22nd, 2010
9:18 am
As long as Bobby is the manager it’s not going to matter. He has the idea in his head McLouth is the leadoff hitter, so he will never change that until it’s too late.
Hudson
February 22nd, 2010
9:18 am
I love having McLouth and Prado at the top. There’s NO WAY I’d put Escobar there. He showed his ability to a good clutch, run-producer last year. So I think he fits too perfectly in a power spot such as right behind Mac.
JEZ
February 22nd, 2010
9:19 am
May if we keep melky which I don’t see anything else happening, then we try him at the leadoff. He knows how to get on base, and he’s fast, plus the switch hitter effect is nice up there right out of the gate, look at Rollins…though I know..he’s way better of a hitter, but melkman might do well there.
Bobby Cox
February 22nd, 2010
9:19 am
All I know for sure is Chipper will be batting 3rd even if he hits .195. Can’t “disrespect” Chipper. Oh no. That’s not the way we do thigs around here ….
Clay
February 22nd, 2010
9:25 am
You can’t put your best “clutch” hitter, Escobar, at leadoff. He has developed into a really good run producer. If McLouth is over his hamstring injury, he will be fine, plus he is one of the best base stealers in the NL.
Asheville Dawg
February 22nd, 2010
9:26 am
McClouth isn’t the answer, so give Diaz a shot. He’s earned it, Then Prado and if that doesn’t work Cabrera
stew
February 22nd, 2010
9:26 am
I like Schafer leading off. I think he is our best centerfielder currently (Andruw was the best centerfielder ever including Willie Mays. Diaz is only at best a fourth outfielder. So here is my opening day lineup
1. Schafer CF
2. Prado 2B
3. Heyward RF (the kid has to bat third or he won’t put up any numbers)
4. Jones 3B
5. Escobar SS (he really hits best in the 5 hole)
6. McCann C
7. Glaus 1B (just until we get a ready Freddie)
8. McLouth LF
Schafer is capable of scoring runs. OBP and SBs don’t mean anything, scoring runs is where it’s at for a leadoff man.
Dap01
February 22nd, 2010
9:36 am
The Braves have a very flawed lineup.
Mclouth has speed but Cox will never allow him to use it. His OB% and his average is the lowest of your other candidates.
Go Braves.
collegeballfan
February 22nd, 2010
9:37 am
Only Escobar & McLouth have enough at bats to make a comparison valid.
McLouth has the speed but does not know how to steal. And yeah, why take the RBI’s from Escobar off the scorecard?
Is a “leadoff” hitter necessary? Why not have a good average hitter, with low strikeouts just bat first. Just someone to get on base. He does not have to steal, but just run the bases. For this role I nominate Prado.
Remember, if you cannot trade, you must play with what you have.
I dont really know
February 22nd, 2010
9:39 am
but could Heyward possibly do it? I know Bobby doesnt like to put that much pressure on the rookies, but it could possibly work. Of course I have no idea how he is at stealing, so I could just be sounding stupid right now. I just think until his power is completely ready it could work. I like the Schafer idea if he is ready. McClouth is probably still the best option due to his stealing ability and his speed. Escobar can knock in way too may to be lead-off. Prado might not be a bad option either. He doesnt have a lot of power, but is on base all the time. He is a great number 2 though. Lets face it though, we do not have a true lead-off hitter, which is sad. I think we should all be happy that we will no longer be seeing Kelly at the top, or Norton at the bottom!!
I dont really know
February 22nd, 2010
9:40 am
Really collegefootballfan? Really? Did you really just say McClouth doesn’t know how to steal?
tomahawkin down 75
February 22nd, 2010
9:41 am
Don’t ever consider this. You can’t waste the threat Escobar brings w/ RISP. That’s the numero uno reason this kid has no business at the top of the lineup. He was cash money with runners on, and i mean #1 or #2 in the LEAGUE w/ RISP (can’t remember for sure, but i know it was up there), and that’s not something you dismiss for any reason. Bad idea.
NOTE” Ya’ll be careful… sports writers love to throw these train wreck-notions out there to see how many of us are foolish enough to bite, and this particular blog is no exception. Next…
I dont really know
February 22nd, 2010
9:41 am
Excuse me collegeball fan. Sorry I got your name wrong.
Andrew
February 22nd, 2010
9:42 am
Yunel hit much too well with runners in scoring position to lead off.
Bob
February 22nd, 2010
9:43 am
Ralph Garr?
tomahawkin down 75
February 22nd, 2010
9:43 am
McClouth has one of the Highest success rates stealing bases in the game. Check your numbers CBF. The guy can swipe.
I dont really know
February 22nd, 2010
9:44 am
Thank you tomahawkin
Poorbrave
February 22nd, 2010
9:44 am
Agree with 9:18 on Bobby. Why talk about lead-off hitters because as long as BC is here it don’t matter. He will stick with the Devil, good or bad…like Norton? So its a dead subject.
Everyone cutting down Melkey and claim to know more than Wren? Give MC a chance to see what he can do without the New York pressure etc. The man can play and is better than many we had in Brave uniforms. I bet he has his best year and I look forward to watching him play.
JEZ
February 22nd, 2010
9:45 am
yeah that’s a major dumb comment to say McClouth can’t steal.
I dont really know
February 22nd, 2010
9:46 am
Ya I think out outfield is pretty good poorbrave. I wish we had more power, but everyone can hit for a good average and McClouth can definitely bring power, and Heyward possibly will very soon.
Space Monkey
February 22nd, 2010
9:48 am
Escobar may be the worst leadoff hitter I have ever seen. Absolutely no plate discipline. Do not repeat this mistake.
I dont really know
February 22nd, 2010
9:51 am
And I just realize that I have been spelling McLouth incorrectly. Sorry.
Mickey Mouse
February 22nd, 2010
9:53 am
I choose Goofy to lead off…..Oh that’s right..he is the Manager..!!!!
.
February 22nd, 2010
9:55 am
Schafer has played 3 months out of last 2 years. He needs to be in AAA not the bigs, he got a free ticket last year for 7 weeks of ST but it didn’t work. Don’t screw it up again. (I know all about the injury & drugs )
Give Prado the lead off role and see what happens.
UglyOldDog
February 22nd, 2010
9:57 am
None of the above…..lead off needs to be someone who can pound the ball into the dirt and steal a base and force the defense to be antsy when on base…none of the these will strike fear into a major league infield and pitcher
Pablo Escobar
February 22nd, 2010
9:57 am
Choose my son Yunel…..He will snow-job the clubhouse and everyone will get off to a fast start
tomahawkin down 75
February 22nd, 2010
9:59 am
Note on McClouth and his SBs, to clear it up:
2009 – 19SB, 6CS
2008 – 23SB, 3CS
2007- 22SB, 1CS
So the guy had a down year last year compared to his previous numbers, but as you can see in regards to stealing bases, the guy can get it done with some obvious success.
I’m all for McClouth leading off, but he’s gotta improve that average if he’s gonna make a difference there. I do think though that you can be successful w/ a leadoff hitter who’s not prototypical, and I think Prado could fit that bill. He’s not particularly fast, but he’s a great contact hitter and the guy hits a lot of doubles (38 last year in only 450 ABs; Nate his 27 in almost 600 AB’s total last year, and that’s with that undeniable speed he brings) and projects to hit above the .300 mark. You get a guy standing on second with Escobar, Chipper and B-Mac following up, and you got a good chance to score. Prado, in my mind, should be considered as a second option if McClouth is having problems with average and OB% in general.
Sonny Clusters
February 22nd, 2010
10:00 am
Clusters could bat leadoff.
tomahawkin down 75
February 22nd, 2010
10:01 am
Yikes – apologize for the McLouth misspellings also. Seeing as i typed it about 500 times that pretty horrendous.
tomahawkin down 75
February 22nd, 2010
10:03 am
Clusters gotta hits cleanup. He can knock em into the Dairy Queen parking lot from here.
.
February 22nd, 2010
10:04 am
Can’t sign any one we don’t have any money? Can’t trade any one because we can’t afford their salary? What the He!! we gone do……..same as always…… nothing!
Herschel Talker
February 22nd, 2010
10:04 am
Bring back Otis Nixon.
Schultzie – you the man! Mazel tov!
If I could sing like Paul McCartney and get funky like Etta James
February 22nd, 2010
10:10 am
I would put Melky and Diaz leading off and platooning in right. Both have done well in that part of the order. The teams run production improved when Prodo batted second. Leave him there. Bat Escobar and McCann in the fifth spot alternating righty lefty. Both have proven they can knock in runs. If Chipper, Glaus and McLouth all return to average the offence will be OK.
PMC
February 22nd, 2010
10:15 am
you should show the extra base hits numbers in addition to just hits and Home Runs Jeff.
JeanE
February 22nd, 2010
10:16 am
Matty D. was awesome hitting leadoff last year, why not give him a shot at it to start the year? He’s aggressive and will steal bases, hardnosed, just what’s needed at leadoff. And I’m so sick of people saying he can’t hit righties, that’s bunk. Yes, he’s much better against the lefties but he was very respectable the other way and will play all out the entire game.
GoodTraction
February 22nd, 2010
10:16 am
Sonny – Where in the Sam Hill have you been? We miss you, now . . .
Jason
February 22nd, 2010
10:18 am
escobar drives in too many runs. when he was put lower in the order last year the offense was way more productive…
cattle dawg
February 22nd, 2010
10:19 am
Why in hades would Bobby platoon Diaz?
BigTimeTECHFan
February 22nd, 2010
10:20 am
1. Schafer CF
2. Prado 2B
3. Escobar SS
4. Jones 3B
5. Heyward RF
6. McCann C
7. Glaus 1B
8. McLouth/Caberra LF
Ross
February 22nd, 2010
10:23 am
Prado, Escobar, Diaz, Jones, McCann, Glaus, Cabrera, McClouth, pitcher.
I like the sound of that.
Greg
February 22nd, 2010
10:34 am
I say to Dr. Phil…you’re right about Esco’s head (OTOH, he IS getting older!). Let’s give him the responsibility and see what happens. He’s got the best combination of on-base % and speed. So you have to try him.
Sonny Clusters
February 22nd, 2010
10:35 am
We was thinking the leadoff batter should have some speed. The second batter should be able (and willing) to hit behind a runner. Next, somebody that can hit a fly ball would be good. Of course, that would be National League baseball and the Braves prefer to play 3-run homerun baseball without the 3-run homerun hitter. We was thinking about how somebody gets in the order at a certain slot and stays there forever no matter whether they match up there or not. Being hot doesn’t mean you will move up in the order. Being totally undisciplined and an automatic out does not mean you will move down or to the bench. Bobby Ball willl be with us another season. Speed means nothing if they aren’t allowed to run. When we was playing ball we had a really fast guy on the team named LaTroy Washington and he was the fastest runner we have ever seen. Coach told LaTroy, “son, if you have a chance to run by all means do so.” That was the last time we saw LaTroy.
Bill M.
February 22nd, 2010
10:37 am
Dr. Phil—- you are looking at a different Escobar than I am. He has no speed at all. He need’s to hit 5th or 6th. Escobar is older than he is telling. He’s not in the game alot of times. I don’t know where his mind is. He’s more of a run producer than leadoff type.
John Smoltz's Missing Hair
February 22nd, 2010
10:40 am
Bobby Cox can run faster than Brian McCann.
John
February 22nd, 2010
10:46 am
1. McLouth
2. Prado
3. Chipper
4. Escobar
5. McCann
6. Diaz
7. Heyward/Cabrera
8. Glaus (I still can’t believe we are relying on him)
Elon Brave
February 22nd, 2010
10:49 am
I just don’t know if Matty D’s splits are favorable enough for him to be there every day.
stupup74
February 22nd, 2010
10:58 am
1.McLouth 2. Prado. 3. Escobar 4. Jones 5. Glaus 6. McCann (flip depending on RH or LH SP) 7. Diaz 8. Cabrera (Heyward at Gwinnett until June 1. )
Power Hitting Deprived
February 22nd, 2010
11:02 am
Where’s the love for Prado. He hit .307 last year while battling through injuries. I would like to see either Prado or Escobar, although I’m sure we’ll spend a month or two watching Nate Mclouth struggle. Keep keeping it real Mr. Schultz
t willie
February 22nd, 2010
11:10 am
most top of line lead off hitters are contact and or punch hitters. nate and yunel are better suited for power. in time martin would propably develop into a pretty good get on base man.
Alaska Braves Fan
February 22nd, 2010
11:14 am
Likely lineup with career averages. Averages for HR and RBI are simply career number of each divided by number of years played. That may not be a good measure, but it’s easy to do.
BA HR RBI OBP OPS
1 CF Nate McLouth .260 14 46 .342 .796
2 2B Martin Prado .307 4 23 .360 .810
3 3B Chipper Jones .307 27 90 .406 .947
4 1B Troy Glaus .255 25 73 .359 .856
5 C Brian McCann .293 18 78 .356 .853
6 SS Yunel Escobar .301 10 55 .375 .801
7 RF Jason Heyward N/A
8 LF Matt Diaz .310 5 23 .358 .817
Melky Cabrero .269 7 46 .331 .716
ABF
rico43
February 22nd, 2010
11:19 am
Would someone at the AJC give Sonny C. a blog of his own already? The man has a gift no AJC writer has had since LG — making a reader laugh out loud!
Jeff Schultz
February 22nd, 2010
11:20 am
Herschel — Thanks. And Otis Nixon is STILL available. So is Pasqual Perez.
Jeff Schultz
February 22nd, 2010
11:21 am
Space Monkey — The worst leadoff hitter you’ve ever seen? Did you ever see him because the stats were pretty good when he did it.
Jeff Schultz
February 22nd, 2010
11:21 am
Space Monkey — The worst leadoff hitter you’ve ever seen? Did you ever see him because the stats were pretty good when he did it.
Delbert D.
February 22nd, 2010
11:22 am
Should keep Glaus at 3rd. Should trade Jones to the DH league. Should trade Schafer before his value goes to zero.
Jeff Schultz
February 22nd, 2010
11:22 am
Stew — Schafer could be the man but I sense he’s not making the team out of spring.
Jeff Schultz
February 22nd, 2010
11:23 am
ChippersLoveChild — USA! USA! USA! (How’s that?)
DirtyDawg
February 22nd, 2010
11:23 am
Hey guys, stop skinnin’ your ignorance by pushing Glaus down to seventh or lower in the line-up. We got him to slot between Jones and McCann and to knock runs in…so basically, he’s the clean-up hitter until he shows he’s incapable of getting the job done. As for lead-off, you gotta figure Schafer (ever how many ‘effs’ are in there) would be the best choice if he’s healthy and back to performing like they thought he would. Otherwise, it’s gotta be McClouth…and for the one that said Escobar is the faster of the group, don’t know what sport you watched last season, but I’m afraid that’s just not so. McClouth needs to change his approach at the plate – too big a hole in his swing…in other words too many strike-outs for leadoff…same with Diaz. Take more pitches…drag bunt more – at least once a game…spray the ball around. Maybe, at this stage in his development, it’s too late for him to change, and if he hasn’t been working on it in the off-season, then a few weeks in Spring Training is going to do the trick. But it’s him or Schafer. Diaz and Escobar are too valuable elsewhere.
bravofan
February 22nd, 2010
11:23 am
Is this a joke without a doubt its Yunel
chemdawg
February 22nd, 2010
11:29 am
There’s so much dogma associated with baseball. Stolen bases are way overrated. They rarely have a significant impact on the game because the risk vs. reward isn’t that significant. The single most important factor for any leadoff hitter is getting on base. There’s a much stronger correlation between runs scored and OBP than runs scored and stolen bases. It’s that simple: Diaz is the only logical choice.
rico43
February 22nd, 2010
11:32 am
My novel solution is have someone earn the job. Try McLouth at the start of camp; if he can’t get on base enough, look to Yunel, or Melky, or Schafer, or Diaz. This is what spring games are for. No one player on this roster fits the role all that well. He who can adapt, wins.
Skeezix
February 22nd, 2010
11:32 am
Anybody’s grandmother can run faster than McCann. ATL doesn’t really have a true leadoff hitter, but I like Prado or McLouth leading off. Prado cause he can be pesky and make the pitcher throw a bunch and McLouth cause he’s a lefty and has good speed.
Mitun
February 22nd, 2010
11:37 am
I say Prado
Ozzie
February 22nd, 2010
11:40 am
No matter who leads off if Bobby sticks with a stinker too long (which he is prone to do) it won’t matter.
Bobby has a habit of being too patient and having say McClouth repeat his 09 performance well into early June or late May would be tough on this team.
2010 needs to be the year Bobby gets the hook out early for all players. This move in and of itself would result in more wins for the club.
The dark horse would be Melky assuming he gets regular playing time. ST will decide that one way or another.
Vince
February 22nd, 2010
11:40 am
Against Lefties
Diaz-RF
Prado-2B
C. Jones-3B
Glaus-1B
Escobar-SS
McCann-C
McClouth-CF
Infante/Cabrera-LF
Look at splits involving OPS and OBP and that is your mathematically ideal lineup.
Larry
February 22nd, 2010
11:43 am
In a lineup thats going to be hurting for power, we cant afford to put Escobar in the leadoff spot. We need him hitting 3 or 4. I like Prado batting leadoff. He’s a tough out with speed and great power to the gaps.
Jim
February 22nd, 2010
11:50 am
The Braves have one of the weakest all around outfields in MLB. First, totally lacking in home-run power, very limited in stolen bases, average hitting (only one player that has hit .300 and time will tell if he will do it over complete season) and other than one exceptional throwing arm average or blow defensively. Most team have major offensive productions from their outfields. The only thing that can be said about the Braves outfield is that they are one of the lowest paid in MLB.
Jack
February 22nd, 2010
11:55 am
you lead off once a game – most overrated idea in baseball
DirtyDawg
February 22nd, 2010
11:55 am
Schultz…whatayamean you ’sense’ Schafer’s not gonna make the team coming out of ST? What are the Braves too gun-shy about falling for performance in Spring Training as an indicator for how somebody is going to do? Are they planning on punishing him for something else? If you’re saying that they’ve already made their minds up, then I say why bother with the Grapefruit League at all? Just have everybody show up the week before opening day, throw the ball around, take a little BP and ‘get ‘er on’! I mean, other than pitchers, who actually has to ‘get in shape’ in baseball anyway?
Big Earl
February 22nd, 2010
11:58 am
With the Braves last year, McLouth had a .285 AVG and .385 OBP against righties and Diaz had a .412 AVG and .465 OBP against lefties. YOU WANT YOUR LEADOFF GUY TO GET ON, PERIOD! You want your 2 hole guy to be able to handle a bat and there’s noone on the team better than Prado. Yunel has some much needed pop, so he needs to be in a position to use it. Based on this, here are the line-ups:
Vs Lefties:
Diaz (RF) .412 AVG vs. Lefties
Prado (2B) .301 AVG vs. Lefties
Chipper (3B) .289 AVG vs. Lefties
McCann (C) .225 AVG vs. Lefties
Escobar (SS) .232 AVG vs. Lefties
Glaus (1B) Can’t find splits but bats RH so should be better vs LH
Cabrera (LF) .268 AVG vs. Lefties
McLouth (CF) .192 AVG vs. Lefties
Vs Righties:
McLouth (CF) .285 vs. Righties
Prado (2B) .309 vs. Righties
Chipper (3B) .252 vs. Righties
Escobar (SS) .327 vs. Righties
McCann (C) .308 vs. Righties
Cabrera (LF) .277 vs. Righties
Diaz (RF) .255 vs. Righties
Glaus (1B)
NOTES:
1) I wish we had another option in CF against LH pitching, but we don’t.
2) I hope Cabrera is replaced by Heyward…this could change EVERYTHING!
3) Not sure if Diaz would be better in LF and Cabrera in RF, but this
wouldn’t affect the batting order above.
4) McCann and Yunel really need to pick it up against Lefties this year.
Steve D
February 22nd, 2010
11:59 am
Too early to decide. Leadoff hitter needs to 1) get on base alot. 2) get to 2nd base 3)make the pitcher use lots of pitches, and 4) distract pitchers with chaos when on base without getting picked. This would NOT be Escobar. Best prospective skills for leadoff are McLouth, Infante and Schafer but McLouth and Schafer sucked in leadoff spot last year and Cox wont keep Prado out of lineup at 2nd base unless he has big drop off his year. He also won’t effectively use the speed game even if a leadoff hitter shines, because he likes to play the “get on base and knock homeruns” game, which won’t work for this team. Unless an unproven leadoff hitter, a past-his-prime 3rd baseman, a 20 yr old rookie outfielder, an over-the-hill closer, a new 1st baseman in an aging body coming off major injury, all have superior years, bating with power and pitching well into September, and Escobar, Prado, and Diaz have little or no drop off, it is unlikely the Braves, even with starting pitching close to last years, will be very average in 2010. This is a team positioning for 2011 and beyond. Even the trades for pitching show this. Read Don Sutton’s comments (”The man can talk”)…….and read between the lines.
Dennis
February 22nd, 2010
12:02 pm
Regarding a lead off hitter, the question should be “Who best is able to turn a walk or single into a double, using his speed?” The answer is fairly clear that McClouth best provides that. The #2 hitter is often counted on to move the leadoff man over by way of sacrifice or hit and run, and this should not be an Escobar caliber player as you want his AB to be used to drive in runs not simply move them over. I believe Prado is the right one for the #2 spot.
Dennis
February 22nd, 2010
12:10 pm
Alaska Braves Fan…your lineup is right on.
Joe
February 22nd, 2010
12:14 pm
Sign Jermaine Dye and the team should look like this.
1. Nate McLouth CF
2. Martin Prado 2B
3. Chipper Jones 3B
4. Troy Glaus 1B
5. Yunel Escobar SS
6. Jermaine Dye RF
7. Brian McCann C
8. Matt Diaz/Melky Cabrera LF
Matt
February 22nd, 2010
12:26 pm
What difference does it make? Cox is the worst game day manager in baseball and will start “his guy” even if that guy is in an 0 for 40 slump. Cox: “Well, _____ (insert name of slumping player) has been tearing the cover off the ball in batting practice and I just need to get him going”.
BTW, nice headline the other day “Cox likes what he sees in Pen and Starters”. Really?? After two whole days The Bobster likes what he sees? WTH did you expect him to say, “We traded Javy and we suck now”?
Tailback U
February 22nd, 2010
12:36 pm
Bat McCann leadoff ( only one with a high enough batting average
to qualify ). Bat the pitcher second so Chipper bats with a guy
on second to start off games. (hint: think bunt) . Besides the fact that Chipper will frequently be looking at a runner at second when
he comes to bat in the first inning of games, the bottom of the order will be rough to navaigate. Alright , alright but you got to
admit two things. The idea at least makes as much sense as the
Cabrera trade itself and that when it comes to thinking “out of
the box” I may be in a league of my own. BTW have been told these drugs produce no long lasting affects. Seriously though why can’t we package some prospects for some guy who can at least bring a speed
element to the game ? These slow teams we put on the field have
gotten rather boring.
gtnate
February 22nd, 2010
12:37 pm
The only true leadoof hitter of the bunch is schafer. He is healthy this year and wil impress bobby in spring training again. He will be in a platoon situation with Diaz.
jimmya
February 22nd, 2010
12:47 pm
how many times in a game does a leadoff hitter get ???? just put the hottest hitter there
Give the man some credit
February 22nd, 2010
12:50 pm
Diaz. All he has done in his time here is hit the ball. Plus, if Matt Ryan is Matty Ice, then Matt Diaz is what?? Matty Light?
I borrowed 50 cents from Matt Diaz and he told me if I didn’t give him a dollar by the following tuesday, he would broke both of my kneecaps.
Bravissimo
February 22nd, 2010
12:54 pm
I say leave McLouth there…see how his new contacts are workin..then go from there.
singndablues
February 22nd, 2010
1:03 pm
The stats posted are meaningless since five of the nine show minimal AB’s – not near enough to make a meaningful analysis.
Batting .400 this year
February 22nd, 2010
1:05 pm
I like the thought of Escobar at leadoff, but it’ll never happen with Prado at 2 because it ruins the L-R order that Bobby likes to use. This is especially true at the middle/bottom of the order, and moving Escobar eliminates the strength that the lineup would have from top to bottom.
McClouth batted leadoff for the Pirates and I would call last season an aberration in terms of his production. He’ll figure it out (but if not early on, I expect Schafer to get the first crack at it).
Batting .400 this year
February 22nd, 2010
1:09 pm
1 McClouth
2 Prado
3 Chipper
4 McCann
5 Escobar
6 Glaus
7 Cabrera (until Heyward is ready, which might not be long)
8 Diaz
RICKEY HENDERSON
February 22nd, 2010
1:20 pm
IF WE APPROACHED RICKEY HENDERSON RIGHT NOW, I BET RICKEY WOULD SAY “WHERE DO I SIGN BECAUSE RICKEY CAN STILL HIT LEAD-OFF BETTER THAN NATE, PRADO, ESCOBAR, DIAZ, AND 80% OF THE REST OF THE PLAYERS IN THE MAJOR LEAGUES!”
(Rickey also wants you to know that Rickey don’t mean to boast…Rickey’s just saying!)
LET’S GO RICKEY!
All I'm Saying...
February 22nd, 2010
1:21 pm
Okay, I’m back to my computer. What did I miss…hey, who turned Rickey Henderson loose on my computer!!!
wayne
February 22nd, 2010
1:26 pm
If you have a reasonable memory, you would know that Willie Mays hit leadoff for a number of years. A little pop at the top would do wonders as would a little speed. That is why the trade of Vasquez was such a waste. You have got to get something for your best pitcher other than a part-time player. It really doesn’t who bats leadoff as he will only do it one time per game–and besides that the Braves have no speed. where is Willie Harris when you need him.
Hillbilly Deluxe
February 22nd, 2010
1:27 pm
Nate McLouth is a good, solid ballplayer but he’s not really a leadoff hitter.
1st 2010
February 22nd, 2010
1:33 pm
Escobar drives in so many runs it would be foolish to put him at the top of the order where he cant do that! I say Diaz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mark Biles
February 22nd, 2010
1:34 pm
I’d rather keep McClouth in the leadoff spot and leave Yunell further down the order (say 6th) to drive in more runs.
Big B CH 99
February 22nd, 2010
1:35 pm
I pretty much agree w/ Batting 400:
1. McLouth
2. Prado
3. Chipper
4. B-Mac
5. Escobar
6. Diaz (might put him at leadoff or cleanup against Southpaws)
7. Glaus (certainly can’t put him at cleanup until he proves something)
8. Whoever our 3rd OF is Heyward or Melky
I like the idea of Schafer being lead-off w/ his speed if he is ready (@ least a 350, hopefully 400 OBP). I think he’ll start the yr in Gwinnett
El Bravo
February 22nd, 2010
1:38 pm
I agree with Bravissimo. Let Nate try his contacts as a leadoff. We know the effect that new contacts had on Diaz (from AAA journeyman to very effective Major Leaguer). Nate is a very good hitter as it is, the new contacts can only help…
Just Me
February 22nd, 2010
1:39 pm
This should be the lineup:
Diaz/Cabrera
Prado
Escobar
Glaus
McCann
Chipper
McLouth
Heyward
However, we all know that won’t happen…so this is the likely lineup:
McLouth
Prado
Chipper
Glaus
McCann
Escobar
Diaz/Cabrera
Heyward
JT Grace
February 22nd, 2010
1:41 pm
Glaus will definitely hit clean-up this year. That isn’t in question at all.
mscoast brave
February 22nd, 2010
1:41 pm
Well Mclouth isn’t a leadoff hitter, see last year. I would put Escobar or Prado.
Tell it like it is.
February 22nd, 2010
1:50 pm
While the rest of the leage fires cannons the braves fire pop guns.what a weak line up.Bobby Cox will have his work cut out for his final year as Braves manager.If thiers a lead off hitter amoung them it would most likely be Prodo based on last year.The GM of the Braves needs to spend some money and put this proud team back were it belongs,atop the NL east.Atlanta and the southeast deserve it.
Ray Pugh
February 22nd, 2010
1:59 pm
Time for Remedial Baseball w/ ‘Ol Ray:
1. Batting average is meaningless–it is a flawed, outmoded stat that should not be used to evaluate leadoff hitters, or anyone else.
2. “Stolen bases” is not a “skill” or “tool,” and should be used to evaluate leadoffs either. Speed is extremely important, but more for the ability to make to 2nd to home on a single and home from 1st on a single. Bobby doesn’t steal bases anyway dummies…
3. “Clutch” or “situational hitting” (w/ runners in scoring position) are also terrible ways to evaluate hitters. Situational hitting involves evaluating small samples sizes, and “clutch” is largely a myth…
Mitchell
February 22nd, 2010
2:00 pm
Johnny Damon.
Hey Jeff, when you compile these types of stats from time to time, can you occasionally show them to Bobby so he doesn’t stay with an unproductive line-up for like three months before finally making a change?
He doesn’t seem to get this stuff.
ugaaccountant
February 22nd, 2010
2:05 pm
Nate doesn’t like leadoff. His stats explain why he doesn’t like it. He’s just not comfortable there. So why force it?
Let’s go with Prado as our everyday leadoff guy. Good avg, obp and pop for the position. Enough speed to get around the bases, even though he’s not a steals guy.
Mitchell
February 22nd, 2010
2:06 pm
Just Me,
you nailed it. That is a perfect line-up, followed by Bobby’s perfect line-up.
Chipper simply cannot bat third. That can not happen. Only Bobby Cox would go with a 15 to 20 homer guy in the third spot. It’s nothing against Chipper, he’s just older and not as good as when he was younger. At least we know he’s definitely not on steroids. But think about what he could do batting 6th or 7th… or 8th!
I still think Bobby is our biggest problem.
GT71
February 22nd, 2010
2:12 pm
Let the pitcher lead off. None of these clowns can hit anyway (or take ball 4), so we might as well start the game with 1 out. And if something else happens, it’s gravy. And we’ll need lots and lots of gravy this year.
obee
February 22nd, 2010
2:19 pm
Lake Michigan is on the other side of the state. Perhaps you mean Lake Huron.
Look at the facts
February 22nd, 2010
2:20 pm
Diaz has the highest on base percentage, none of them have speed to burn
shane
February 22nd, 2010
2:40 pm
Time for Remedial Baseball w/ ‘Ol Ray:
1. Batting average is meaningless–it is a flawed, outmoded stat that should not be used to evaluate leadoff hitters, or anyone else.
2. “Stolen bases” is not a “skill” or “tool,” and should be used to evaluate leadoffs either. Speed is extremely important, but more for the ability to make to 2nd to home on a single and home from 1st on a single. Bobby doesn’t steal bases anyway dummies…
3. “Clutch” or “situational hitting” (w/ runners in scoring position) are also terrible ways to evaluate hitters. Situational hitting involves evaluating small samples sizes, and “clutch” is largely a myth…
Ditto everything you said Ray. Unfortunately braves fans baseball IQ is among the lowest in the league. They will continue blissfully along in their arrogance.
I blame 1991. Alot of Braves fans were created who dont know anything about the game. Not their fault they are just casual fans who dont get it.
Carson
February 22nd, 2010
2:51 pm
Look, the Braves are not gonna be a team that blasts homeruns every game. They are gonna have to be a team that just hits in the gaps and drives in all the runs. The leadoff spot is gonna be the biggest issure in the lineup. I think Diaz deserves a chance to prove he can do it. However, I think Prado or McLouth will be there for majority. We have little to no power, we have a couple of guys with good speed, several guys with average speed, and a lot of below par runners. So stealing is not gonna be a big factor. The JayHey Kid is gonna blow our minds with his talent in Spring Training; however, I think it will take him a few weeks to get used to playing against top notch pitchers. He will be a great player though and will be in the starting lineup all year. I love Bobby but he’s lost his touch. It’s hard for me to say that but it’s true. We need to bring in Joe Torre next year when his contract in LA is up. Chippers gettin old, we cant rely on him anymore. McCann is gonna need to step up and take his spot. Glaus is just a filler until we can find someone better to play 1st (Wish we still had Teixiera).
1. McLOUTH CF
2. PRADO 2B
3. JONES 3B
4. MCCANN C
5. ESCOBAR SS
6. GLAUS 1B
7. HEYWARD RF
8. MELKY/DIAZ
9. PITCHER
That is what I think would be the best lineup going off of what I saw last year and what I’ve heard about the JayHey kid.
Jesse Stone
February 22nd, 2010
2:58 pm
Shane- did you ever bother to look up Melky on baseballreference.com and see that he hasn’t improved in his 4 years? Or are you still glad we have him just because Yankee fans miss their “spunky player”? Melky is a switch-hitting Ryan Church.
Conyers Braves Fan
February 22nd, 2010
2:59 pm
I voted for McClouth but don`t think it really matters. The Braves will be lucky to finish third regardless
of the lineup with the players we have now. May as well just let Bobby throw darts on the wall everyday to determine the lineup. This would be more fun.
Truth
February 22nd, 2010
3:00 pm
It does not matter who leads off for 2 reasons:
1) The Braves do not have a lead off hitter
2) The Braves did not address ANY of their weaknesses in the offseason
bry22
February 22nd, 2010
3:02 pm
McClouth base stealing ability makes him more suited for lead off. Except for the fact that BC does not run much. With that in mind and Diaz success when he lead off last year, Diaz should get the nod. If for some reason BC wants to steal some bases/runs after all these years, insert McClouth back at top!
Quiet Braves Fan
February 22nd, 2010
3:05 pm
It has been 15 years since the Braves won the World Series. The Braves glory years are ancient history.
JT Grace
February 22nd, 2010
3:16 pm
Why do some people think the Braves have no power. They may not have multiple 30+ home run guys like the Phillies but the lineup is much better than last year…and better than many other MLB teams.
These are possible numbers:
Prado 15 – 20 HR
McLouth 20 – 25 HR
Escobar 10 – 20 HR
McCann 20 – 25 HR
Chipper 15 – 20 HR
Glaus 20 – 30 HR
Heyward 10 – 15 HR
Diaz/Cabrera 10 – 15 HR
The lineup is filled with guys who can at least hit 10 HR and also hit for average and OBP. They aren’t as bad as many of you make them out to be.
Let's Go
February 22nd, 2010
3:21 pm
Omar Infante is probably the best leadoff hitter on the roster right now but for him to play you have to bench Escobar or wait for Chipper to get hurt. I think the problem with both McClouth & Escobar is they want to be RBI men and not run scorers and nothing against either because they seem to be pretty good at that but a good leadoff hitter needs to hit at least 290 and be willing to take a walk to get on base.
Prado may get a chance and might be a good leadoff man with Nate batting 2nd.
shane
February 22nd, 2010
3:23 pm
Shane- did you ever bother to look up Melky on baseballreference.com and see that he hasn’t improved in his 4 years?
Umm he did improve.
Melky is a switch-hitting Ryan Church.
Wrong again. Melky is only 25 and still three years away from his prime. Church never was all that good. Church couldnt carry Melkys jock.
Ill accept your apology when Melky is playing like his hair is on fire and Vazquez ( the one hit wonder ) has gone back to his usual form and is giving up homers like its a pinball machine.
bry22
February 22nd, 2010
3:27 pm
Shane-
What a freaken JOKE! Melky is a number 5 outfielder at best!
Jesse Stone
February 22nd, 2010
3:34 pm
Shane- since you obviously haven’t researced, I’ve done it for you.
2006 R75 H129 RBI50 BA280 OPS752 OBP360
2007 R66 H149 RBI73 BA273 OPS718 OBP327
2008 R42 H103 RBI37 BA249 OPS641 OBP301
2009 R66 H133 RBI68 BA274 OPS752 OBP336
Shane, how is that an improvement?
Melky’s numbers will only get worse now because he isn’t playing in Williamsport anymore and he’s not surrounded by that HOF lineup. Likewise, Vaz’s numbers will not be as good due to better hitters faced and tiny ballpark.
Time Out
February 22nd, 2010
3:35 pm
Going with Johnny Damon.
Blackberry Cobbler
February 22nd, 2010
3:37 pm
Another much flawed team pasted together by the highly intelligent Braves brass……….. no leadoff, little speed, not enough bats, and a bunch of old arms.
Heaven help us.
Jesse Stone
February 22nd, 2010
3:39 pm
162 Game Averages
Ryan Church R67 H135 RBI72 BA272 OPS787 OBP345
Melky R71 H147 RBI65 BA269 OPS716 OBP331
Ray Pugh
February 22nd, 2010
3:47 pm
Shane,
I’m prob not as high on him as you, but I agree Melky could have a higher upside than many realize, and could be better this year than in years past (not having to face AL East pitching can only help). It would be ideal if both Melky and Heyward are have breakout seasons and we can flip Melky for a prospect haul or a back-of-rotation starter if needed…
Jesse Stone
February 22nd, 2010
3:51 pm
NL East pitching- Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, Johan Santana, Josh Johnson.
Ray Pugh
February 22nd, 2010
3:56 pm
JT,
The reason why these dummies on here think we don’t have any power is because they only parrot what Bradley and Schultz say instead of doing independent research. While we certainly won’t be competing w/ the Phillies for the league leaders, we’ll be in the higher end of the middle of the pack (especially w/ Glaus and Heyward added, Francine and GA subtracted, and Nate for a full season). With a top-5 all-around pitching staff, this will be more than enough…
Jon
February 22nd, 2010
3:58 pm
The Braves ENTIRE lineup does nothing to encite fear in the lowliest Single A pitcher. We better be able to hit a BUNCH of doubles this year.
Kashi
February 22nd, 2010
4:00 pm
Braves & Wren live on future HOPE, no urgency for now. Many here said 2010 was our year in 2008, and 2009. What happened? Did other team improved that we are not favorite comes to 2010? Or did we get better by subtraction? he-he
Jesse Stone
February 22nd, 2010
4:02 pm
Ray, I hardly parrot what anyone says, but I don’t believe we have enough power. You are assuming everyone will be healthy and each will have above average to breakout years. I totally agree with your 1:59 post, but i disagree here. It’s OK to not have a ton of power, as long as you play small ball. We do neither. We lost several 3-1 or 3-2 ballgames last year. I think we do the same in ‘10.
Calling people “dummies” because they don’t share your opinion is childish. They are opinions and will continue to be so until the season plays out.
its elementary,watson
February 22nd, 2010
4:12 pm
mclouth is the best option we have at leadoff. although he really don’t like it himself..wish we could find a way to infante there on an everyday basis.
tomahawkin down 75
February 22nd, 2010
4:12 pm
Did i just spot a reference to PERIMETER PEREZ??? LOL, dang Shultzie, you rollin’ the clock back a lil’ bit aintcha? I specifically remember watching the game he missed. So yea… i’m old. But anyway gimme Perimeter P, and Senor Smoke, and some Mad Hungarian Al Hrabosky and we got ourselves a pitchin’ Staff…
hop
February 22nd, 2010
4:35 pm
the season is already over before it even starts! the braves will finish lower in the final standings by falling to fourth in the east behind phillies,marlins,and mets.
this ownership does not give a flip about winning games,but only about controlling cost.
braves fans need to boycott this owership,if it has any hope of getting an ownership group that really cares about winning!
ugaaccountant
February 22nd, 2010
4:53 pm
Kashi – Other teams got better or stayed the same while we had to payroll dump. Our payroll in 2010 is smaller than 2009 because we’re not getting an insurance settlement. That caused us to cut loose multiple players in the prime of their career for players with more question marks —>
Laroche – Glaus
Soriano – Wagner
Gonzalez – Saito
KJ – nobody guaranteed to make the team
Church – nobody guaranteed to make the team
Then also Vasquez for Hudson/Melky/Prospects. At least this one netted good players. Still overall was a budget driven decision because if not for the money we could have kept Vasquez and Hudson and went out to the international market to sign Prospects.
So that’s what causes me to see 2010 as another rebuilding year, because if it was a contending year we wouldn’t have let so many prime of their career players walk to be replaced by players with more questions.
Mcook
February 22nd, 2010
5:12 pm
I like Prado to kick some azz this year. Beat out KJ easy last year…could break out and be huge in 2010.Why some of you see him so far down in the line up..I don’t get it.
rexroth
February 22nd, 2010
5:12 pm
FYI – Lake Michigan is on the other side of the state. Of course, after reading about Michelle Damon, we might be better off if she decides to stay over there.
billt
February 22nd, 2010
5:18 pm
Otis (my Man!) Nixon
Casey Stinkle
February 22nd, 2010
5:19 pm
If Infante is in the line-up, there’s your leadoff man. McClouth is not a true leadoff hitter, but if he stays healthy, should score alot of runs.
Christine
February 22nd, 2010
5:42 pm
I miss my Braves.
Coach (2011 or Bust)
February 22nd, 2010
5:47 pm
Escobar makes too much damn common sense which is exactly what Bobby Cox is missing
masivatack
February 22nd, 2010
5:54 pm
I think anyone who was even remotely paying attention last year would like to see Escobar lower in the order (5-6 or so). We need him hitting with folks on base. Our 2-4 hitters get on base a lot more than our 7-9 spots.
BigHittas
February 22nd, 2010
6:03 pm
Otis Nixon!
Tvest
February 22nd, 2010
6:04 pm
Escobar is no leadoff hitter.Worst baserunner on the team.Has to be Mclouth or Prado…
NYY
February 22nd, 2010
6:04 pm
We don’t care who our leadoff man is…..we just gonna pound the hell out of everybody. How ’bout them Big Apples?
GO BRAVES!!!! what a joke
Surrounded by Retards
February 22nd, 2010
6:08 pm
You guys are idiots bobby will go
1. McClouth (best option on opening day, did it in pitt)
2. Prado (natural 2 hitter and proven)
3. Chipper (no doubt)
4. Glaus (we brought him in to clean up)
5. McCann (name a player with better numbers in the 5 hole)
6. Esco (will drive in 85+ runs this year while hitting for avg)
7. Heyward (will post .285/.365/.485 clip)
8. Diaz (against lefties no clue vs rightys)
Bobby knows this lineup has its flaws but it sets up more opportunities to score runs than any other and as for the speed factor it doesnt take a jose reyes to steal bases it takes a runner with decent speed who knows how to read a pitcher
Alaska Braves Fan
February 22nd, 2010
6:18 pm
Dennis: Thank you!
ABF
Alaska Braves Fan
February 22nd, 2010
6:21 pm
Surrounded by Retards: What you said! I do see Cabrera sort of alternating with Diaz.
ABF
Ted Turner is a hack
February 22nd, 2010
6:25 pm
It really doesn’t matter.
Let’s start talking about the 2011 season.
gayle
February 22nd, 2010
6:25 pm
The whole Damon fiasco (yet another player uses the Braves for leverage) exposes the fact that public comments notwithstanding, Cox and Wren know they don’t have a viable leadoff hitter. But they both hold the company line trying to sell this team as a contender.
No leadoff hitter, no speed, no “big bopper” and an untested bullpen. That does not sound like a contender to me.
DamYankee
February 22nd, 2010
6:49 pm
Glad to see at least a few posters watched Diaz last year when he got his AB’s. Don’t know if he’s a good choice for leadoff (his hitting philosophy is if it moves, hack at it), but he should be somewhere in the lineup every day, and an added bonus is his “dirt” attitude, something the Braves have lacked since saying goodbye to Lemke.
John Tucker
February 22nd, 2010
7:01 pm
Jeffy, quit worrying about Braves’ leadoff man. Bobby Cox’s lieup shuffle did pretty well from July1, 2009 to the end of the season..
Even with Chipper hurt or nonproductive, the Braves scored more runs after July 1, 2009 than any team in MLB and had the best won-loss record of all MLB teams. So, Wren did not need to overhaul the Braves’ offense or find a leadoff man this off season. He just had to do a little tweaking. Over a whole season, Glaus, Heyward, Infante and Melky Cabrerra should be more consistent than LaRoche, Anderson, ahurt Schafer and Kelly Johnson. Moreover, if Chipper or Glaus falters, Infante iand Prado can fill in well offensively at the infield corners.
Damon would have just clogged up the outfield mix for Diaz, Heyward and Schafer.
AD
February 22nd, 2010
7:33 pm
Keep smoking that crack Schultz. Escobar hit like six trillion with runners in scoring position last year. Why would you take an AB away from him with no runners on to bat him leadoff? Makes no sense.
jazzyk
February 22nd, 2010
9:33 pm
Stats shmatz. All those guys have strengths, but there’s not a leadoff man in that group.
The braves need to trade for one or work real hard on getting Schaffer ready.
hal
February 22nd, 2010
10:03 pm
sonny that comment about ole latroy was the funniset thing i ever read he ran all the way toi washington now lkook whjat ya done lol
siskel_god
February 23rd, 2010
9:37 am
If Bobby had a guy who could steal bases he would let them steal! Remember Otis Nixon swiping 70 bags? What about Deion and Marquis Grissom? Rafael Furcal? Can we please stop bashing Bobby on things that aren’t true, the guy will be gone soon enough and you will realize just how good we had it for the last 20 years.
Brian
February 23rd, 2010
11:23 am
“Leadoff men”, “2-hitters”, and “cleanup hitters” aren’t as important as fans and blogs make them out to be. Putting a high-OBP guy 1st instead of 8th is probably worth a few runs a year. Enough to make the manager at least think about it, but not enough for people to obsess over. Batting orders are overrated.
Should Jermaine Dye be on Braves' radar? | Jeff Schultz
February 23rd, 2010
1:16 pm
[...] sign with the Detroit Tigers, we asked you to pick your favorite for the Braves’ leadoff hitter. Your overwhelming choice was Nate McLouth (49 percent), who finished just slightly ahead of my outside-the-box pick of Yunel Escobar (13 [...]
Braves are still waiting for Yunel Escobar to join their party | Jeff Schultz
July 14th, 2010
2:39 pm
[...] .373 with runners in scoring position and .335 with runners on base. When the Braves failed to sign Johnny Damon before the season and I suggested Escobar as a leadoff hitter, many of you screamed, pointing out he was one of the team’s best [...]